Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of the Republic of Ireland is the Euro. Euro notes are in seven denominations, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro. The coins are in eight denominations, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 euro.

It is recommended that you do not carry American 100 dollar bills, as they are not readily accepted, even in banks. Shannon airport is a good place to convert your money. However, if you have in store the old Irish banknotes then get them converted into Euro at any Irish bank. Currency can be exchanged at all banks, airports, bureaux de change and first-class hotels. However, hotels may give you a less rate as compared to banks. Most banks in Ireland are open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. Of these, some branches are open through lunch.

It is advisable to bring a combination of some cash, traveler's checks (for emergencies), credit cards and an ATM card. Using your bank ATM card and credit cards will get you the best exchange rates.

The most widely accepted credit cards in Ireland are Visa, American Express and Master Card. They are usually accepted in large shopping malls and hotels. Keep in mind that most credit cards charge a fixed amount of fee for cash advances so the best option is to use the bank debit card for a cash advance at an ATM or bank. It is suggested that you bring the minimum number of cards needed

Traveler's checks are accepted throughout Ireland. To stay away from the additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. The most frequently accepted travelers' checks are American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook. You are required to pay certain some of commission again when you cash each check. However, you are exempt from the commission if you own Amex checks and if they are exchanged at Amex branches. The same applies for Thomas Cook checks exchanged at Thomas Cook branches.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

Liter of petrol $1

Movie ticket $11

Souvenir t-shirt $23

Can of soft drink $1

Liter of milk $1

Cup of coffee $2

Pub sandwich $4

Pint of Guinness $

An umbrella $5

CD $29

Call to States (a minute) $0.24

Chips (French Fries) $2 to $ 3

Sandwich Roll $3.55

Newspaper $ 1 to $ 2

Cigarettes (no cartons) $6

3. Telecommunications

The international code of Ireland is + 353(do not dial the first zero of the area code). If you are calling home or some other country you are required to add the prefix + or 00, the international country code, the local area code and if you are calling a mobile then add the respective network code.

Phone calls can be made from the hotel itself. However, the calling rates are comparatively high. There are basically two types of public pay phones in Ireland that includes card phones and coin phones. These payphones are scattered all over Ireland and can be used to make local, long distance and international calls. Phone cards are the cheapest way to make international calls. They are sold at newspaper kiosks, street vendors and newsagents.

Ireland is leading in the mobile phone usage. It is also the largest in Europe per head of population. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming contract with most international operators. Travelers and tourist should note that only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement would work on the island of Ireland.

Ireland has four mobile phone networks

IRL - Meteor

IRL - O2 (also known as IRL-Digifone)

IRL - Three (a 3GSM network under construction)

IRL - Vodafone (also known as IRL Eircell)

All these networks are regulated by ComReg.

Internet cafés and access points are available in the main tourist area. There are various software at the Internet centers and cafes that allow visitors to make international phone calls.

Telephone Enquiries

Northern Ireland

Directory Enquiries - Tel: 118 500

International Directory Enquiries - Tel: 118 505

Talking Pages - Tel: 0800 600 900 or visit www.goldenpages.ie

Useful Phone Numbers in Ireland:

GoIreland.com (for credit card reservation ONLY): 00800 369 37412

Sixt Irish Car Rentals: 1850 206088

AA Roadside Rescue: 1800 667 788

Police Tourism Support Services: 1850 661 771

Emergency Services: 999

Irish Tourist Board Information: 1850 230 330

Access for Disabled: 01 668 4181

Irish Rail: 1850 366 222

Department of Foreign Affairs: 01 478 0822

4. Cab Fares

Approximate taxi fares:

Route Distance Time Fare (EUR)

Belfast Int. Airport City Center 18 miles 30 minutes 44

Belfast City Airport City Center 7 miles 8 minutes 14

City of Derry Airport City Center 7 miles 8 minutes 16

Shannon Airport Limerick 20 miles 35 minutes 34

Shannon Airport Ennis 16 miles 25 minutes 33

Cork Airport City Center 5 miles 20 minutes 13-16

Dublin Airport City Center 7 miles 30 minutes 28

5. Currency Exchange Rates

Currency Exchange Rates

EUR 1.00 = USD 1.26 GBP 0.69 CAD 1.41 AUD 1.66 ZAR 7.60 EUR 1.00 NZD 1.98

US Dollar EUR

$ 10 8

$ 20 16

$ 50 40

$ 100 79

$ 200 159

$ 500 396

$ 1000 792

$ 2000 1583

6. Taxes

In most cases, VAT is 21%, however, there are reduced rates of VAT of 4.8%, and 13.5%.

However, VAT (sales tax) is refundable to non-European Union guest on purchases that they bring back home with them. Make sure that you obtain the tax refund documentation from the shopping spot.

Sales tax is levied only on tobacco, alcohol and petrol.

7. Tipping

Tipping is accepted in Ireland, 15% is usual. However, it entirely depends on the traveler.

Restaurants generally add a service charge, which is normally 15%, then there is no need for an additional tip. If not, nearly everyone in Ireland tips around 10% of the bill for waiting staff and round up taxi fares. For hotel porters $1 per bag is acceptable. Tipping is not usual in bars and pubs.